She deposits her eggs in compact masses of one to several rows that hold a few to more than 200 white to yellowish eggs, which darken prior to hatching. The female moth seeks out areas of lush forage grasses, small grains, or grassy weeds. Receptive females release a sex pheromone to attract mates. The armyworm moths are nocturnal and, like many insects, are attracted to light. The hindwings are pale to dark gray with a light outer border (Figure 1).Īs moths age, or wing scales are otherwise damaged, these identifying marks are lost and identification becomes more difficult. The species name “unipuncta” is based on this single white point.Ī faint diagonal line of small black dots extends to the tip on the forewing’s outside (away from the body when spread). On specimens in good shape, the forewing is tan to reddish-brown with a small white mark in the center. The armyworm is a moderately sized moth with a wingspan of approximately 1½ inches. Note the tan color, diagonal line of dark spots and white dot on the forewing. To avoid confusion with other species that have armyworm as part of their approved common name or are regionally known as “armyworms,” Mythimna unipuncta is often referred to as “true armyworm.” Adultįigure 1. Some Minnesotans also call the eastern forest tent caterpillars (Malacosoma americanum) that create communal webbed shelters (tents) and feed on the leaves of broadleaf trees and shrubs “armyworms.” However, these moths belong to the insect family Lasiocampidae and are not related to Mythimna unipuncta. One example is the fall armyworm ( Spodoptera frugiperda), an infrequent late-season migrant visitor to Minnesota from the tropics. Most species that include armyworm in the common name belong to the Noctuidae family. The caterpillars of several other insect species display similar group behavior. The larvae’s behavior of congregating and moving in large groups when looking for new food sources is the basis for the name armyworm. Description and life cycle What is in a name? The larvae can feed and complete their development on a wide variety of broadleaf species when large populations deplete their preferred food plants. The larvae, however, feed primarily on grasses and are an infrequent, but significant, pest of cereals including small grains, corn, rice, forage grasses, and turf grasses. Host rangeĪrmyworm adults feed on plant nectar and are not a threat to crops. In Minnesota, annual infestations are the result of adult moths migrating from wintering areas in the south. The armyworm cannot survive winters with persistent freezing winter temperatures. The highly migratory behavior of the armyworm adults allows them to exploit new geographic areas when weather is suitable. In North America, crop damaging infestations are most often observed east of the Rocky Mountains as far north as southern Canada. It is a member of the moth family Noctuidae, a large group that includes most species of cutworms. The armyworm is native to the Americas, but localized invasive populations have been observed in areas of Europe, Africa, the Mideast, and Asia. All rights reserved.Mythimna unipuncta (Haworth, 1809), (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Distribution PGATOUR.COM, PGA TOUR, TPC, SHOTLINK and the SWINGING GOLFER LOGO are trademarks of PGA TOUR, Inc. market share of professional lawn care companies. †† Based on number of treatments offered as part of an annual program.Īmerica’s #1 lawn care company based on U.S. Availability of services and/or products may vary by geography. † Now controls 200+ species of broadleaf weeds. and service does not protect against termites and other wood-destroying organisms, bedbugs, bees, fleas, German cockroaches, hornets, pharaoh ants, rodents, or ticks. ◆◆ TruGreen Perimeter Pest does not include removal of webs higher than 10 ft. For more details, go to TruGreen FAQs at /FAQTREE. It does not include treatment of specialty trees such as fruit or certain ornamentals, or assessment and treatment of trees over 25 ft. ✢ TruGreen Tree & Shrub includes fertilization of common trees and shrubs, and controls common foliar insects and diseases. ✦ Purchase of annual lawn plan required for TruGreen Lawn Assessment, which is performed at the first visit. Guarantee applies to annual plan customers only. ◆ TruGreen will gladly visit your property as needed between scheduled visits to ensure your satisfaction. Not to be combined with or used in conjunction with any other offer or discount. Valid at participating TruGreen® locations. * Special price of 50% off is for first Lawn service★, Tree & Shrub service✢, Mosquito service★★ and/or Perimeter Pest service◆◆ only. Requires purchase of annual plan, for new residential EasyPay, MonthlyPay, or PrePay customers only.
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